Explore: The resurrection declaration

• The Explore the Bible lesson for April 5 focuses on Luke 24:1-12.

We can believe Jesus rose from the dead and still is very much alive. The biblical record particularly is clear that Jesus’ resurrection marks a climactic point in history at which God revealed his will, nature and attitude toward humankind.

T.B. Maston noted Christ “is God’s final and full word to man.” In other words, if Jesus is risen indeed, then we must act accordingly. We consequently keep in mind Luke “investigated everything from the beginning” in regard to his Gospel and his claim that Jesus rose from the grave (Luke 1:3). This renowned physician and missionary also corroborated and examined eyewitness testimony from those who experienced the resurrection and its immediate effects firsthand. We will therefore explore in this lesson Luke’s account of the resurrection to bolster our faith on Easter Sunday.

A reader may note three specific movements in Luke’s account. First, Luke described some interesting events surrounding the empty tomb in which Jesus’ body had been laid to rest three days prior. Second, Luke focused upon the first proclamation of the risen Lord. Third, Luke involved an interesting cast of characters in order to boost readers’ confidence in surety of the gospel. We will unpack each of these three points with some detail.

The empty tomb (Luke 24:1-3)

Luke provided some context by indicating “the women” took spices to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week, or Sunday. The group of women to whom Luke referred may have been a larger group of female disciples, but we know with accuracy at least Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James were present. This group had prepared spices and perfumes for anointing the dead body and rose early in order to get directly to the tomb at the conclusion of Sabbath (Luke 23:56). Keep in mind that these women had followed Jesus for some time and were witnesses to the horrid crucifixion.

Two upsettingly surprising issues awaited these compassionate women. First, they found the tomb stone rolled away. Second, they could not locate Jesus’ body. These signs seemed to point to a grave robbery. Why else would someone come to Jesus’ burial site before the conclusion of the Sabbath? In fact, one of the oldest methods of discounting the resurrection of Jesus involves what is popularly known as the “stolen body hypothesis”—the theory the disciples relocated Jesus’ body and perpetuated the resurrection as a myth.

Readers may recall the chief priests even paid off Roman soldiers to spread a rumor that Jesus’ body was stolen by the disciples (Matthew 28:11-15). We can say reasonably that many people even today become greatly perplexed by the empty tomb of Christ. Everyone must make a decision about the matter.

The risen Lord declared (Luke 24:4-8)

Another shock frightened the perplexed and confused women early on that first Easter Sunday. Luke said “two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.” Who are these men? They probably are angels, or messengers of God, judging from the reaction of the women, for they bowed down prostrate before the two witnesses. Some scholars, however, suppose the men may be Moses and Elijah, based on Luke’s description of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). The men also neglect to use the phrase, “Don’t be afraid,” a typical angelic greeting. Regardless, the two messengers deliver the greatest news ever told.

Notice this initial gospel declaration comes with two main components. First, the men say, “He is not here.” Consider that the angels are not simply stating the obvious. They use this turn of phrase to lead the women to one of the most profound and theologically powerful statements in the history of humankind: “He has risen!” Notice the verb “has” is passive, implying God raised Jesus. In other words, Jesus was not sedated or nearly dead after the cross experience and then somehow resuscitated. Also, no one stole Jesus’ body. Jesus experienced a bodily resurrection by the divine power of the Almighty God (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

Second, the angels direct the women’s attention to the fulfillment of Scripture. All Scripture points directly to Jesus Christ. The angels specifically reminded the women of one of Jesus’ many predictions regarding his death and resurrection. See particularly Jesus’ predictions in Luke 9, 14, 18 and 22. Consequently, the women remembered Jesus’ words, and in so doing are prompted to run and tell others.

Sure witness (24:9-12)

Notice that women were the first to proclaim openly the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Luke, true to his form and context, noticed the significant work of the kingdom. God’s work will not be confined to our social and cultural hierarchies. Yet, the women’s witness is thoroughly rejected at first. How could this be? Even James seemed to be discounting the word of his very own mother. Luke even told us the words of the women seemed “like nonsense.” Unfortunately, the 11 and their counterparts acted hastily and according to social mores of their day. Men of their culture normally disregarded women as generally unreliable.

The Holy Spirit, however, did not give up on these imprudent men. Peter amazingly jumped up and hurried to the empty tomb. Luke purposefully left Peter and the others (and us) wondering at the events about which we just heard. How will we respond? Who among us will bear witness to the risen Lord?

A concluding story

As I wrote this article, a dear friend and church member called me in tears. My friend had just shared the gospel with a client at his business. The client did not make a decision at that setting but weighed heavily the meaning of the gospel. In fact, the client shared with my friend that he had never heard the story of Jesus in his entire life. The gospel of Christ’s resurrection was shockingly new information. The client went away from my friend’s office in wonderment and awe. We pray he will make a decision to follow Christ soon as the Holy Spirit convicts him. Luke’s Gospel still carries with it the power of that first Easter. Jesus Christ has risen indeed. Let’s share the news with our neighbors.